legislation

Friday, 17 May 2013 4:24pm

Rulings handed down since the commencement of the Fair Work Act's adverse action provisions have clarified some of the mystery around their operation and contain important lessons for employers.

Monday, 25 March 2013 7:00am

Managing long-term absent employees requires a cautious and proactive approach, or employers risk facing claims involving the whole gamut of employment law.

Watch this webcast to understand how to:

• manage prolonged absences from work;
• identify the 'inherent requirements' of a position;
• consider 'reasonable adjustments';
• ensure compliance with the proposed amendments to Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws;
• determine what material to provide in an independent medical assessment;
• return employees to work on suitable duties; and
• evaluate relevant legal risks before a termination of employment.

Tuesday, 19 March 2013 7:24am

The indicators employers need to report against under the Workplace Gender Equality Act include information that many organisations don't yet capture, and might have to create systems for, according to Ashurst lawyers Michael Tamvakologos and Melissa Bulat.

Thursday, 07 March 2013 3:53pm

Contractors make up part of nearly every employer's workforce, but understanding your responsibilities in this area and maintaining first-rate safety standards can be tough.

This webcast covers:

• How to ensure contractor compliance;
• Your OHS obligations to different kinds of contractors;
• Harmonisation - consultation obligations and other changes;
• Current general requirements;
• Warranties and indemnities; and more.

Thursday, 28 February 2013 7:20am

Employers should carefully monitor and manage how much discretionary sick leave they provide to employees following an injury or illness, according to employment lawyer Helen Donovan.

Tuesday, 26 February 2013 7:26am

Take-up of the right to request flexible work is low, but the requests are generally granted without variation, according to a new Fair Work Commission report.

Monday, 25 February 2013 7:25am

In the lead-up to July's superannuation changes, some employers face a "tough communication exercise" in explaining to employees that their base salary will drop, while others need to consider how they will fund the higher contributions, according to a reward specialist.

Tuesday, 19 February 2013 7:29am

The dispute between Qantas and unions that led to the grounding of its fleet in 2011 has only been resolved "in theory", and is evidence that Australia's industrial relations system is ineffective and out-dated, says Macquarie University professor Paul Gollan.

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 7:23am

Employee claims under the Fair Work Act are increasingly targeting individuals, so HR practitioners should ensure they help directors and officers to understand their potential liability, says employment lawyer Ben Gee.

Wednesday, 23 January 2013 7:23am

Employers will need to be more vigilant about checking the visa status of their workers, with new legislation making it much easier for the government to prosecute non-compliant companies, according to an immigration law specialist.